The Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association (LVNBA) believes that financial barriers should never prevent talented individuals from pursuing a legal career. Through its annual scholarship program, the LVNBA invests in future attorneys at every stage of their journey—from preparing for the LSAT to earning a law degree and successfully passing the bar examination.

When the LVNBA was founded, fewer than 20 Black attorneys practiced in Nevada. Today, that number has grown to approximately 100 attorneys, representing about one percent of the State Bar of Nevada. Many LVNBA scholarship recipients remain in Nevada after completing their legal education, serving their communities and helping shape the future of the legal profession.

The LVNBA Scholarship Selection Committee, in partnership with Uri Clinton of Boyd Gaming, is proud to launch the Dr. Al Gourrier, Sr. Bar Prep Scholarship, designed for law school graduates who have previously taken a bar examination without passing and have not passed any bar exam to date but plan to retake a bar exam by July 2027. This scholarship provides financial assistance for bar preparation courses, study materials, examination fees, and other expenses associated with preparing to retake the bar exam.
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ELIGIBILITY.

At the time you submit this Application, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a law school graduate who has taken a bar exam and have not passed any bar exam since graduating and plan to retake a bar exam by July 2027.

Have volunteered at least five (5) hours with a university, student organization, community organization, or other non-profit organization (such as the LVNBA) since October 13, 2025.

We also look for each applicant to have attended at least one (1) LVNBA event since October 13, 2025. Our 2025 and 2026 Gala qualify! Proof of attendance required.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

Required Documents Include:

A current resume;
A current headshot;
An unofficial transcript;
Proof of prior bar exam results; and
One (1) professional letter of recommendation ("LOR") from a professor, faculty member, or employment supervisor who can speak to your academic or employment performance, work ethic, and/or skills. The recommender must not be a relative or close personal friend of the applicant, and the relationship must be professional or academic in nature. LORs must state the nature and duration of the recommender's professional or academic relationship with the applicant (e.g., "I supervised [Applicant Name] from [date] to [date] in my role as ___"). LORs must be signed and dated within the last 90 days and must include the recommender's contact phone number and/or email address. The Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right to contact your recommender regarding your LOR.

Optional Materials.

You’re welcome to include extra LORs or any other materials that help strengthen your application. This might include:

A statement of financial hardship
An explanation of how you’d use LVNBA scholarship funds
Notes about academic performance or other personal context
These optional materials give the Scholarship Selection Committee a fuller picture of who you are and what makes your candidacy stand out.

SELECTION PROCESS.

Scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process conducted by the LVNBA Scholarship Selection Committee. Applications are reviewed holistically, with consideration given to the eligibility requirements, academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, commitment to the legal profession, and the strength of each applicant's submitted materials.

Because scholarship funding is limited, submission of an application does not guarantee the award of a scholarship. The Committee seeks applicants who demonstrate excellence, perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to serving their communities through the practice of law.

Award recipients will be notified by November 27, 2026, and will be invited to an event to commemorate their achievement.

CONTACT US.
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If you have questions about the Fall 2026 Bar Prep Scholarship Program, please contact scholarships@lasvegasnba.org.​​